Method and system for mobile distribution station

ABSTRACT

A system includes one or more mobile fuel distribution stations that have a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, a plurality of hoses, detachably connectable fuel caps connected or connectable with the hoses, valves, and fuel level sensors. The mobile fuel distribution station is configured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold to provide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and from the valves through the hoses. One or more servers are operable to communicate with the mobile fuel distribution station. The server is configured to receive fuel operating parameter data from the mobile fuel distribution station, determine whether the fuel operating parameter data is within a preset limit, and send a control action in response to the operating parameter data being outside the preset limit.

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/290,264, filed Oct. 11, 2016.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic fracturing (also known as fracking) is a well-stimulationprocess that utilizes pressurized liquids to fracture rock formations.Pumps and other equipment used for hydraulic fracturing typicallyoperate at the surface of the well site. The equipment may operate untilrefueling is needed, at which time the equipment may be shut-down forrefueling. Shut-downs are costly and reduce efficiency. More preferably,to avoid shut-downs fuel is replenished in a hot-refueling operationwhile the equipment continues to run. This permits fracking operationsto proceed continuously. However, hot-refueling can be difficult toreliably sustain for the duration of the fracking operation.

SUMMARY

A system according to an example of the present disclosure includes atleast one mobile fuel distribution station that has a mobile trailer, apump, a manifold, a plurality of hoses, a plurality of detachablyconnectable fuel caps connected or connectable with the hoses, aplurality of valves, and a plurality of fuel level sensors. The mobilefuel distribution station is configured to operate the pump responsiveto a low fuel threshold to provide fuel to the manifold, from themanifold to the valves, and from the valves through the hoses. At leastone server is operable to communicate with at least one mobile fueldistribution station. The server is configured to receive fuel operatingparameter data from the mobile fuel distribution station, determinewhether the fuel operating parameter data is within a preset limit, andsend a control action in response to the operating parameter data beingoutside the preset limit.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the fueloperating parameter data represents a change in a fuel operatingparameter from a prior reading to a current reading.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the fueloperating parameter data represents at least one of a fuel temperatureor a fuel pressure in the mobile fuel distribution station.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one of the fuel temperature or the fuel pressure is from alocation between the pump and the manifold in the mobile fueldistribution station.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlaction is selected from the group consisting of a shutdown instructionto the mobile fuel distribution station, an adjustment instruction tothe mobile fuel distribution station, and an alert to an electronicdevice other than the mobile fuel distribution station.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one mobile fuel distribution station comprises multiple of thefuel distribution stations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the fueloperating parameter data represents a change in a fuel operatingparameter from a prior reading to a current reading, and the fueloperating parameter data represents at least one of a fuel temperatureor a fuel pressure in the mobile fuel distribution station.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlaction is selected from the group consisting of a shutdown instructionto the mobile fuel distribution station, an adjustment instruction tothe mobile fuel distribution station, and an alert to an electronicdevice other than the mobile fuel distribution station.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlaction is a shutdown instruction to the mobile fuel distributionstation.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlaction is an adjustment instruction to the mobile fuel distributionstation.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlaction is an alert to an electronic device other than the mobile fueldistribution station.

A system according to an example of the present disclosure includes aplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations. Each mobile fueldistribution station has a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, aplurality of hoses, a plurality of detachably connectable fuel capsconnected or connectable with the hoses, a plurality of valves, and aplurality of fuel level sensors. The mobile fuel distribution station isconfigured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold toprovide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and fromthe valves through the hoses. At least one server configured to receivefuel operating parameter data from the plurality of mobile fueldistribution stations, and at least one electronic device other than theplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations. At least one electronicdevice is configured to communicate with at least one server and displaythe fuel operating parameter data of each of the plurality of mobilefuel distribution stations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one electronic device is configured to send control actions to theplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations to change operation ofone or more of the plurality of mobile distribution stations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlactions are based upon at least one of fuel temperature, fuel pressure,or fuel flow in one or more of the plurality of mobile distributionstations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlactions include shutdown instructions to stop one or more of theplurality of mobile distribution stations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlactions include adjustment instructions to change one or more fueloperating parameters or operating settings of one or more of theplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one electronic device is configured to display in real-time theoperating parameter data of each of the plurality of mobile distributionstations.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one electronic device is configured to display an alert inresponse to the fuel operating parameter data being outside one or morepreset limits.

In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the atleast one electronic device is configured to display total amounts offuel distributed by each of the plurality of mobile distributionstations.

A system according to an example of the present disclosure includes aplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations. Each mobile fueldistribution station has a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, aplurality of hoses, a plurality of detachably connectable fuel capsconnected or connectable with the hoses, a plurality of valves, and aplurality of fuel level sensors. The mobile fuel distribution station isconfigured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold toprovide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and fromthe valves through the hoses. At least one server is configured toreceive fuel operating parameter data from the plurality of mobile fueldistribution stations. At least one electronic device other than theplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations is configured tocommunicate with at least one server and display the fuel operatingparameter data of one or more of the plurality of mobile fueldistribution stations. The fuel operating parameter data represents achange in a fuel operating parameter from a prior reading to a currentreading. The fuel operating parameter data represents at least one of afuel temperature or a fuel pressure in the mobile fuel distributionstations, and the control action is selected from the group consistingof a shutdown instruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, anadjustment instruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, and analert to an electronic device other than the mobile fuel distributionstation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can bebriefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mobile distribution station.

FIG. 2 illustrates an internal layout of a mobile distribution station.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated view of hose reels on a support rack usedin a mobile distribution station.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a connection between a manifold, acontrol valve, and a reel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectioned view of an example hose for a mobiledistribution station.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an integrated cap sensor for a mobiledistribution station.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the routing of a sensor communicationline through a reel in a mobile distribution station.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system that can be used to remotely monitor andmanage one or more mobile distribution stations.

FIG. 9 illustrates a workflow logic diagram that represents an exampleof a method for managing one or more mobile distribution stations.

FIG. 10 illustrates another workflow logic diagram that represents anexample of a method for managing one or more mobile distributionstations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile distribution station 20 and FIG. 2illustrates an internal layout of the station 20. As will be described,the station 20 may serve in a “hot-refueling” capacity to distributefuel to multiple pieces of equipment while the equipment is running,such as fracking equipment at a well site. As will be appreciated, thestation 20 is not limited to applications for fracking or for deliveringfuel. The examples herein may be presented with respect to fueldelivery, but the station 20 may be used in mobile delivery of otherfluids, in other gas/petroleum recovery operations, or in otheroperations where mobile refueling or fluid delivery will be of benefit.

In this example, the station 20 includes a mobile trailer 22. Generally,the mobile trailer 22 is elongated and has first and second opposedtrailer side walls W1 and W2 that join first and second opposed trailerend walls E1 and E2. Most typically, the trailer 22 will also have aclosed top (not shown). The mobile trailer 22 may have wheels thatpermit the mobile trailer 22 to be moved by a vehicle from site to siteto service different hot-refueling operations. In this example, themobile trailer 22 has two compartments. A first compartment 24 includesthe physical components for distributing fuel, such as diesel fuel, anda second compartment 26 serves as an isolated control room for managingand monitoring fuel distribution. The compartments 24/26 are separatedby an inside wall 28 a that has an inside door 28 b.

The first compartment 24 includes one or more pumps 30. Fuel may beprovided to the one or more pumps 30 from an external fuel source, suchas a tanker truck on the site. On the trailer 22, the one or more pumps30 are fluidly connected via a fuel line 32 with a high precisionregister 34 for metering fuel. The fuel line 32 may include, but is notlimited to, hard piping. In this example, the fuel line 32 includes afiltration and air eliminator system 36 a and one or more sensors 36 b.Although optional, the system 36 a is beneficial in manyimplementations, to remove foreign particles and air from the fuel priorto delivery to the equipment. The one or more sensors 36 b may include atemperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a combination thereof, whichassist in fuel distribution management.

The fuel line 32 is connected with one or more manifolds 38. In theillustrated example, the station 20 includes two manifolds 38 that arearranged on opposed sides of the compartment 24. As an example, themanifolds 38 are elongated tubes that are generally larger in diameterthan the fuel line 32 and that have at least one inlet and multipleoutlets. Each hose 40 is wound, at least initially, on a reel 42 that isrotatable to extend or retract the hose 40 externally through one ormore windows of the trailer 22. Each reel 42 may have an associatedmotor to mechanically extend and retract the hose 40.

As shown in an isolated view in FIG. 3, the reels 42 are mounted on asupport rack 42 a. In this example, the support rack 42 a is configuredwith upper and lower rows of reels 42. Each row has five reels 42 suchthat each support rack 42 a provides ten reels 42 and thus ten hoses 40.There are two support racks 42 a (FIG. 2) arranged on opposed sides ofthe first compartment 24, with an aisle (A) that runs between thesupport racks 42 a from an outside door E to the inside door 28 b. Thestation 20 therefore provides twenty hoses 40 in the illustratedarrangement, with ten hoses 40 provided on each side of the station 20.As will be appreciated, fewer or additional reels and hoses may be usedin alternative examples.

As shown in a representative example in FIG. 4, each hose 40 isconnected to a respective one of the reels 42 and a respective one of aplurality of control valves 44. For example, a secondary fuel line 46leads from the manifold 38 to the reel 42. The control valve 44 is inthe secondary fuel line 46. The control valve 44 is moveable betweenopen and closed positions to selectively permit fuel flow from themanifold 38 to the reel 42 and the hose 40. For example, the controlvalve 44 is a powered valve, such as a solenoid valve.

In the illustrated example, the first compartment 24 also includes asensor support rack 48. The sensor support rack 48 holds integrated fuelcap sensors 50 (when not in use), or at least portions thereof. When inuse, each integrated fuel cap sensor 50 is temporarily affixed to apiece of equipment (i.e., the fuel tank of the equipment) that issubject to the hot-refueling operation. Each hose 40 may include aconnector end 40 a and each integrated fuel cap sensor 50 may have acorresponding mating connector to facilitate rapid connection anddisconnection of the hose 40 with the integrated fuel cap sensor 50. Forexample, the connector end 40 a and mating connector on the integratedfuel cap sensor 50 form a hydraulic quick-connect.

At least the control valves 44, pump or pumps 30, sensor or sensors 36b, and register 34 are in communication with a controller 52 located inthe second compartment 26. As an example, the controller 52 includessoftware, hardware, or both that is configured to carry out any of thefunctions described herein. In one further example, the controller 52includes a programmable logic controller with a touch-screen for userinput and display of status data. For example, the screen maysimultaneously show multiple fluid levels of the equipment that is beingserviced.

When in operation, the integrated fuel cap sensors 50 are mounted onrespective fuel tanks of the pieces of equipment that are subject to thehot-refueling operation. The hoses 40 are connected to the respectiveintegrated fuel cap sensors 50. Each integrated fuel cap sensor 50generates signals that are indicative of the fuel level in the fuel tankof the piece of equipment on which the integrated fuel cap sensor 50 ismounted. The signals are communicated to the controller 52.

The controller 52 interprets the signals and determines the fuel levelfor each fuel tank of each piece of equipment. In response to a fuellevel that falls below a lower threshold, the controller 52 opens thecontrol valve 44 associated with the hose 40 to that fuel tank andactivates the pump or pumps 30. The pump or pumps 30 provide fuel flowinto the manifolds 38 and through the open control valve 44 and reel 42such that fuel is provided through the respective hose 40 and integratedfuel cap sensor 50 into the fuel tank. The lower threshold maycorrespond to an empty fuel level of the fuel tank, but more typicallythe lower threshold will be a level above the empty level to reduce thepotential that the equipment completely runs out of fuel and shuts down.The controller 52 can also be programmed with a failsafe measure relatedto the operation of the fuel cap sensors 50. As an example, once acontrol valve 44 is open, if the controller 52 does not detect a changein fuel level from the fuel cap sensor 50 associated with the controlvalve 44 within a preset time period, the controller 52 shuts the pump30 off and closes the control valve 44. Thus, if a hose 40 were torupture, spillage of fuel is limited to the volume of fuel in the hose40. For instance, the preset time period may be three seconds, sixseconds, ten seconds, or fifteen seconds, which may limit spillage toapproximately fifteen gallons for a given size of hose.

The controller 52 also determines when the fuel level in the fuel tankreaches an upper threshold. The upper threshold may correspond to a fullfuel level of the fuel tank, but more typically the upper threshold willbe a level below the full level to reduce the potential for overflow. Inresponse to reaching the upper threshold, the controller 52 closes therespective control valve 44 and ceases the pump or pumps 30. If othercontrol valves 44 are open or are to be opened, the pump or pumps 30 mayremain on. The controller 52 can also be programmed with an electronicstop failsafe measure to prevent over-filling. As an example, once anupper threshold is reached on a first tank and the control valve 44 isclosed, but the pump 30 is otherwise to remain on to fill other tanks,if the fuel level continues to rise in the first tank, the controller 52shuts the pump 30 off.

Multiple control valves 44 may be open at one time, to provide fuel tomultiple fuel tanks at one time. Alternatively, if there is demand forfuel from two or more fuel tanks, the controller 52 may sequentiallyopen the control valves 44 such that the tanks are refueledsequentially. For instance, upon completion of refueling of one fueltank, the controller 52 closes the control valve 44 of the hose 40associated with that tank and then opens the next control valve 44 tobegin refueling the next fuel tank. Sequential refueling may facilitatemaintaining internal pressure in the manifold and fuel line 32 above adesired or preset pressure threshold to more rapidly deliver fuel.Similarly, the controller 52 may limit the number of control valves 44that are open at any one instance in order to maintain the internalpressure in the manifold and fuel line 32 above a desired or presetthreshold. The controller 52 may perform the functions above while in anautomated operating mode. Additionally, the controller 52 may have amanual mode in which a user can control at least some functions throughthe PLC, such as starting and stopped the pump 30 and opening andclosing control valves 44. For example, manual mode may be used at thebeginning of a job when initially filling tanks to levels at which thefuel cap sensors 50 can detect fuel and/or during a job if a fuel capsensor 50 becomes inoperable. Of course, operating in manual mode maydeactivate some automated functions, such as filling at the lowthreshold or stopping at the high threshold.

In addition to the use of the sensor signals to determine fuel level, oreven as an alternative to use of the sensor signals, the refueling maybe time-based. For instance, the fuel consumption of a given piece ofequipment may be known such that the fuel tank reaches the lowerthreshold at known time intervals. The controller 52 is operable torefuel the fuel tank at the time intervals rather than on the basis ofthe sensor signals, although sensor signals may also be used to verifyfuel level.

The controller 52 also tracks the amount of fuel provided to the fueltanks. For instance, the register 34 precisely measures the amount offuel provided from the pump or pumps 30. As an example, the register 34is an electronic register and has a resolution of about 0.1 gallons. Theregister 34 communicates measurement data to the controller 52. Thecontroller 52 can thus determine the total amount of fuel used to veryprecise levels. The controller 52 may also be configured to provideoutputs of the total amount of fuel consumed. For instance, a user mayprogram the controller 52 to provide outputs at desired intervals, suchas by worker shifts or daily, weekly, or monthly periods. The outputsmay also be used to generate invoices for the amount of fuel used. As anexample, the controller 52 may provide a daily output of fuel use andtrigger the generation of an invoice that corresponds to the daily fueluse, thereby enabling almost instantaneous invoicing.

In a further example, the integrated fuel cap sensors 50 are eachhard-wired to the controller 52. The term “hard-wired” or variationsthereof refers to a wired connection between two components that servesfor electronic communication there between, which here is a sensor and acontroller. The hard-wiring may facilitate providing more reliablesignals from the integrated fuel cap sensors 50. For instance, the manypieces of equipment, vehicles, workers, etc. at a site may communicateusing wireless devices. The wireless signals may interfere with eachother and, therefore, degrade communication reliability. Hard-wiring theintegrated fuel cap sensors 50 to the controller 52 facilitatesreduction in interference and thus enhances reliability.

In general, hard-wiring in a hot-refueling environment presents severalchallenges. For example, a site has many workers walking about andtypically is located on rough terrain. Thus, as will be described below,each integrated fuel cap sensor 50 is hard-wired through the associatedhose 40 to the controller 52.

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative portion of one of the hoses 40 and,specifically, the end of the hose 40 that will be located at the fueltank of the equipment being refueled. In this example, the hose 40includes a connector 60 at the end for detachably connecting the hose 40to the integrated fuel cap sensors 50. The hose 40 is formed of a tube62 and a sleeve 64 that circumscribes the tube 62. As an example, thetube 62 may be a flexible elastomeric tube and the sleeve 64 may be aflexible fabric sleeve. The sleeve 64 is generally loosely arrangedaround the tube 62, although the sleeve 64 may closely fit on the tube62 to prevent substantial slipping of the sleeve 64 relative to the tube62 during use and handling. Optionally, to further prevent slippingand/or to secure the sleeve 64, bands may be tightened around the hose40. As an example, one or more steel or stainless steel bands can beprovided at least near the ends of the hose 40.

A plurality of sensor communication lines 66 (one shown) are routed withor in the respective hoses 40. For instance, each line 66 may include awire, a wire bundle, and/or multiple wires or wire bundles. In onefurther example, the line 66 is a low milli-amp intrinsic safety wiring,which serves as a protection feature for reducing the concern foroperating electrical equipment in the presence of fuel by limiting theamount of thermal and electrical energy available for ignition. In thisexample, the line 66 is routed through the hose 40 between (radially)the tube 62 and the sleeve 64. The sleeve 64 thus serves to secure andprotect the line 66, and the sleeve 64 may limit spill and spewing ifthere is a hose 40 rupture. In particular, since the line 66 is securedin the hose 40, the line 66 does not present a tripping concern forworkers. Moreover, in rough terrain environments where there are stones,sand, and other objects that could damage the line 66 if it were free,the sleeve 64 shields the line 66 from direct contact with such objects.In further examples, the line 66 may be embedded or partially embeddedin the tube 62 or the sleeve 64.

In this example, the line 66 extends out from the end of the hose 40 andincludes a connector 68 that is detachably connectable with a respectiveone of the integrated fuel cap sensors 50. For example, FIG. 6illustrates a representative example of one of the integrated fuel capsensors 50. The integrated fuel cap sensor 50 includes a cap portion 50a and a level sensor portion 50 b. The cap portion 50 a is detachablyconnectable with a port of a fuel tank. The cap portion 50 a includes aconnector port 50 c, which is detachably connectable with the connector60 of the hose 40. The sensor portion 50 b includes a sensor 50 d and asensor port 50 e that is detachably connectable with the connector 68 ofthe line 66. The fuel cap sensor 50 may also include a vent port thatattaches to a drain hose, to drain any overflow into a containmentbucket and/or reduce air pressure build-up in a fuel tank. Thus, a usermay first mount the cap portion 50 a on the fuel tank of the equipment,followed by connecting the hose 40 to the port 50 c and connecting theline 66 to the port 50 e.

The sensor 50 d may be any type of sensor that is capable of detectingfluid or fuel level in a tank. In one example, the sensor 50 d is aguided wave radar sensor. A guided wave radar sensor may include atransmitter/sensor that emits radar waves, most typically radiofrequency waves, down a probe. A sheath may be provided around theprobe. For example, the sheath may be a metal alloy (e.g., stainlesssteel or aluminum) or polymer tube that surrounds the probe. One or morebushings may be provided between the probe and the sheath, to separatethe probe from the sheath. The sheath shields the probe from contact byexternal objects, the walls of a fuel tank, or other components in afuel tank, which might otherwise increase the potential for faultysensor readings. The probe serves as a guide for the radar waves. Theradar waves reflect off of the surface of the fuel and the reflectedradar waves are received into the transmitter/sensor. A sensorcontroller determines the “time of flight” of the radar waves, i.e., howlong it takes from emission of the radar waves for the radar waves toreflect back to the transmitter/sensor. Based on the time, the sensorcontroller, or the controller 52 if the sensor controller does not havethe capability, determines the distance that the radar waves travel. Alonger distance thus indicates a lower fuel level (farther away) and ashorter distance indicates a higher fuel level (closer).

The line 66 routes through the hose 40 and back to the reel 42 in thetrailer 22. For example, the line 66 is also routed or hard-wiredthrough the reel 42 to the controller 52. FIG. 7 illustrates arepresentative example of the routing in the reel 42. In this example,the reel 42 includes a spindle 42 b about which the reel is rotatable.The spindle 42 b may be hollow, and the line 66 may be routed throughthe spindle 42 b. The reel 42 may also include a connector 42 c mountedthereon. The connector 42 c receives the line 66 and serves as a portfor connection with another line 66 a to the controller 52.

The lines 66 a may converge to one or more communication junction blocksor “bricks” prior to the controller 52. The communication junctionblocks may serve to facilitate the relay of the signals back to thecontroller 52. The communication junction blocks may alternatively oradditionally serve to facilitate identification of the lines 66, andthus the signals, with respect to which of the hoses a particular line66 is associated with. For instance, a group of communication junctionblocks may have unique identifiers and the lines 66 into a particularcommunication junction block may be associated with identifiers. Asignal relayed into the controller 52 may thus be associated with theidentifiers of the communication junction blocks and a particular line66 of that communication junction block in order to identify which hose40 the signal is to be associated with. The valves 44 may alsocommunicate with the controller 52 in a similar manner through thecommunication junction blocks.

As can be appreciated from the examples herein, the station 20 permitscontinuous hot-refueling with enhanced reliability. While there mightgenerally be a tendency to choose wireless sensor communication forconvenience, a hard-wired approach mitigates the potential for signalinterference that can arise with wireless. Moreover, by hard-wiring thesensors through the hoses to the controller, wired communication linesare protected from exposure and do not pose additional concerns forworkers on a site.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system 69 for remotely monitoring and/or managingat least one mobile distribution station 20 (A). It is to be appreciatedthat the system 69 may include additional mobile distribution stations,shown in phantom at 20 (B), 20 (C), and 20 (D) (collectively mobiledistribution stations 20), for example. The mobile distribution stations20 may be located at a single work site or located across severaldifferent work sites S1 and S2. Each mobile distribution station 20 isin communication with one or more servers 71 that are remotely locatedfrom the mobile distribution stations 20 and work sites S1/S2. In mostimplementations, the communication will be wireless.

The server 71 may include hardware, software, or both that is configuredto perform the functions described herein. The server 71 may also be incommunication with one or more electronic devices 73. The electronicdevice 73 is external of or remote from the mobile fuel distributionstations 20. For example, the electronic device 73 may be, but is notlimited to, a computer, such as a desktop or laptop computer, a cellulardevice, or tablet device. The electronic device 73 may communicate andinteract in the system 69 via data connectivity, which may involveinternet connectivity, cellular connectivity, software, mobileapplication, or combinations of these.

The electronic device 73 may include a display 73 a, such as anelectronic screen, that is configured to display the fuel operatingparameter data of each of the mobile distribution stations 20. As anexample, the electronic device 73 may display in real-time the operatingparameter data of each of the mobile distribution stations 20 in thesystem 69 to permit remote monitoring and management control of themobile distribution stations 20. For instance, the operating parameterdata may include fuel temperature, fuel pressure, fuel flow, totalamount of fuel distributed, operational settings (e.g., low and highfuel level thresholds), or other parameters.

The server 71 may also be in communication with one or more cloud-baseddevices 75. The cloud-based device 75 may include one or more serversand a memory for communicating with and storing information from theserver 71.

The server 71 is configured to communicate with the mobile distributionstations 20. Most typically, the server 71 will communicate with thecontroller 52 of the mobile distribution station 20. In this regard, thecontroller 52 of each mobile distribution station 20 may be includehardware, software, or both that is configured for externalcommunication with the server 71. For example, each controller 52 maycommunicate and interact in the system 69 via data connectivity, whichmay involve internet connectivity, cellular connectivity, software,mobile application, or combinations of these.

The server 71 is configured to receive operating parameter data from themobile distribution stations 20. The operating parameter data mayinclude or represent physical measurements of operating conditions ofthe mobile distribution station 20, status information of the mobiledistribution station 20, setting information of the mobile distributionstation 20, or other information associated with control or managementof the operation of the mobile distribution station 20.

For example, the server 71 utilizes the information to monitor andauto-manage the mobile distribution station 20. The monitoring andauto-management may be for purposes of identifying potential riskconditions that may require shutdown or alert, purposes of intelligentlyenhancing operation, or purposes of reading fuel or fluid levels inreal-time via the sensors 50. As an example, the server 71 may utilizethe information to monitor or display fuel or fluid levels, or determinewhether the fuel operating parameter data is within a preset limit andsend a control action in response to the operating parameter data beingoutside the preset limit. As will described in further detail below, thecontrol action may be a shutdown instruction to the mobile fueldistribution stations 20, an adjustment instruction to the mobile fueldistribution stations 20, or an alert to the electronic device 73.

FIG. 9 illustrates a workflow logic diagram of an example control method77 which can be implemented with the system 69 or with otherconfigurations of one or more mobile distribution stations 20 and one ormore servers. In general, the illustrated method 77 can be used toprovide a shutdown instruction or an alert if operating parameter dataof one or more mobile distribution stations 20 is outside of a presetlimit. For instance, if fuel pressure or fuel temperature in one of themobile distribution stations 20 exceeds one or more limits, the method77 shuts down the mobile distribution station 20 and/or sends an alertso that appropriate action can, if needed, be taken in response to thesituation. In particular, in hot-refueling implementations, the abilityto automatically shut down or to provide a remote alert may facilitateenhancement of reliable and safe operation.

Referring to FIG. 9, one or more current or instantaneous operatingparameters are read (i.e., by the controller 52). An operating parametermay include, but is not limited to, fuel temperature and fuel pressure.Other parameters may additionally or alternatively be used, such as pumpspeed or power and fuel flow. Parameters may be first order parametersbased on first order readings from sensor signals, or second orderparameters that are derived or calculated from first order parameters orfirst order sensor signals. For instance, temperature is a first orderparameter and direct detection of temperature to produce signalsrepresentative of temperature constitute first order sensor signals. Theproduct of temperature and pressure, for example, is a second orderparameter that is based on first order sensor signals of each oftemperature and pressure. As will be appreciated, there may beadditional types of second order parameters based on temperature,pressure, power, flow, etc., which may or may not be weighted in acalculation of a second order parameter.

In this example, the current operating parameter is compared with aprior operating parameter stored in memory in the controller 52. Adifference in the current operating parameter and the prior operatingparameter is calculated to produce a change (delta) value in theoperating parameter. The change value is used as the operating parameterdata for control purposes in the method 77. The operating parameter datathus represents the change in the operating parameter from the priorreading to the current reading. Use of the change value as the operatingparameter data serves to reduce the amount of data that is to be sent inconnection with the method 77. For example, the actual operatingparameter values may be larger than the change values and may thusrequire more memory and bandwidth to send than the change values. Thechange values are sampled and calculated at a predesignated intervalrate. In this example, the interval rate is once per second. Eachoperating parameter is stored in memory for use as the next “prior”operating parameter for comparison with a subsequent “new” operatingparameter reading. The controller 52 may be programmed to perform theabove steps. As will be appreciated, the steps above achieve dataefficiency, and actual values could alternatively or additionally beused if memory and bandwidth permit.

Each operating parameter data reading (i.e., change value) is publishedor sent via IoT (Internet of Things) Gateway to an IoT Platform, whichmay be implemented fully or partially on the server 71 and cloud device75. The operating parameter data may also contain additionalinformation, such as but not limited to, metadata with time stampinformation and identification of the individual mobile distributionstation 20. In this example, the operating parameter data of interest isassociated with fuel pressure and fuel temperature. In the method 77,the operating parameter data for fuel temperature and fuel pressure arecompared to, respectively, a preset fuel temperature shutdown limit anda preset fuel pressure shutdown limit. The shutdown limits may betemperature and pressure limits corresponding to rated limits of thepump 30, fuel line 32, and manifold 38, for example.

If the temperature or pressure are outside of the preset fueltemperature or pressure shutdown limits, the method 77 initiates ashutdown event. In this example, the shutdown event includes identifyingthe particular mobile distribution station 20 associated with thetemperature or pressure that is outside of the preset limit, forming ashutdown instruction message, and publishing or sending the shutdowninstruction message via the IoT Gateway to the corresponding identifiedmobile distribution station 20.

Upon receiving the shutdown instruction message, the controller 52 ofthe identified mobile distribution station 20 validates and executes theshutdown instruction. For instance, shutdown may include shutting offthe pump 30 and closing all of the control valves 44. In this example,the method 77 includes a timing feature that waits for confirmation ofshutdown. Confirmation may be generated by the controller 52 performingan electronic check of whether the pump 30 is off and the control valves44 are closed. Confirmation may additionally or alternatively involvemanual feedback via input into the controller 52 by a worker at theidentified mobile distribution station 20.

Once shutdown is confirmed by the controller 52, confirmation ofshutdown is published or sent via the Iot Gateway to the IoT Platformfor subsequent issuance of an alert. If there is no confirmation ofshutdown by a maximum preset time threshold, a non-confirmation ofshutdown is published or sent for subsequent issuance of an alert.

If the temperature and/or pressure is not outside of the preset fueltemperature or pressure shutdown limits, the method 77 in this examplecontinues to determine whether the fuel temperature and fuel pressurewith are, respectively, outside of a preset fuel temperature thresholdlimit and a preset fuel pressure threshold limit. The threshold limitswill typically be preset at levels which indicate a potential forshutdown conditions. For example, the threshold limits may beintermediate temperature or pressure levels which, if exceeded, mayindicate an upward trend in temperature or pressure toward the shutdownlimits. In one example, the threshold limits are rate of changethresholds. For instance, a change value in temperature and/or pressurethat exceeds a corresponding threshold change limit may be indicativethat temperature and/or pressure is rapidly elevating toward theshutdown condition.

In response to the temperature and/or pressure being outside of thepreset fuel temperature or pressure threshold limits, the method 77initiates an alert event. In this example, the alert event includesinitiating an event notification. In the event notification, the method77 conducts a lookup of notification channels and then issues an alertvia one or more selected notification channels, such as an alert on thedisplay 73 a. As an example, the notification channels may be selectedby user preferences and may include alerts by email, SMS (short messageservice), and/or mobile device app notification (e.g., banners, badges,home screen alerts, etc.). The event notification is also used foralerts of confirmation and non-confirmation of shutdown. The method 77thus provides capability to nearly instantaneously issue an alert thatcan be immediately and readily viewed in real-time on the electronicdevice 73 so that appropriate action, if needed, can be taken. In oneexample, such actions may include adjustment of operation settings ofthe mobile distribution station 20, which may be communicated andimplemented via the system 69 from the electronic device 73 to themobile distribution station 20.

FIG. 10 illustrates a workflow logic diagram of an example controlmanagement method 79 which can be implemented with the method 77 andwith the system 69 or with other configurations of one or more mobiledistribution stations 20 and one or more servers. For example, themethod 79 is used to identify shutdown conditions and/or remotelyintelligently auto-manage operation of one or more mobile distributionstations 20. The initial portion of the method 79 with respect togenerating operating parameters data may be similar to the method 77;however, the method 79 uses the operating parameter data to calculate anefficiency score and identify shutdown conditions or other actions to betaken in response to the efficiency score. For example, the efficiencyscore is a second order parameter and is a calculation based on multiplefuel operating parameters selected from fuel temperature, fuel pressure,fuel flow, and time. The efficiency score is then compared to anefficiency score shutdown limit. If the calculated efficiency scoreexceeds the limit, the method 79 initiates the shutdown event asdescribed above. As an example, the efficiency score is the product of asafety score multiplied by one or more of a temperature score, apressure score, a flow rate score, a tank level score, or the sum of twoor more of these scores. For instance, the efficiency score is as shownin Equation I below.

Efficiency Score=Safety Score×(Temperature Score+Pressure Score+FlowRate Score+Tank Level Score).  Equation I:

In one example, the safety score is a product of a safety factor andlogic values of one or zero for each of the temperature score, thepressure score, the flow rate score, and the tank level score. Thus, ifany of the temperature score, the pressure score, the flow rate score,or the tank level score fails, resulting in a logic value of zero, theefficiency score will be zero. In response to an efficiency score ofzero, the method 79 initiates the shutdown event as described above. Thelogic values are assigned according to whether the given parameter iswithin a predetermined minimum/maximum range. If the parameter is withinthe range, the logic value is one and if the parameter is outside of therange, the value is zero. As an example, the safety score may bedetermined by:

Safety Score=(Safety Check Positive Response/Total Safety Checks)*(IF(Temperature Reading between MIN LIMIT and MAX LIMIT) THEN 1 ELSE0))*(IF (Pressure Reading between MIN LIMIT and MAX LIMIT) THEN 1 ELSE0))*(IF (Flow Rate Reading between MIN LIMIT and MAX LIMIT) THEN 1 ELSE0))*(IF (Tank Inventory Reading between MIN LIMIT and MAX LIMIT) THEN 1ELSE 0)),

wherein

Temperature Score=(((Temperature Reading−Min Limit)/TemperatureReading)+((Max Limit+Temperature Reading)/Temperature Reading)))/2,

Pressure Score=(((Pressure Reading−Min Limit)/Pressure Reading)+((MaxLimit+Pressure Reading)/Pressure Reading)))/2,

Flow Rate Score=(((Flow Rate Reading−Min Limit)/Flow Rate Reading)+((MaxLimit+Flow Rate Reading)/Flow Rate Reading)))/2, and

Tank Level Score=(((Tank Level Reading−Min Limit)/Tank LevelReading)+((Max Limit+Tank Level Reading)/Tank Level Reading)))/2.

In one example, the safety factor includes a calculation based on safetychecks of a mobile distribution station 20. For instance, the safetyfactor is the quotient of positive or passing safety checks divided bythe total number of safety check made. A safety check may involveperiodic validation of multiple parameters or conditions on the site ofa station 20 and/or in the station 20. As examples, the safety check mayinclude validation that electrical power supply is fully functional(e.g., a generator), validation of oil levels (e.g., in a generator),validation of whether there are any work obstructions at the site, etc.Thus, each safety check may involve validation of a set of parametersand conditions. If validation passes, the safety check is positive andif validation does not pass the safety check is negative. As an example,if 5 safety checks are conducted for a station 20 and four of the checkspass and one does not pass, the safety factor is equal to four dividedby five, or 0.8.

The method 79 also uses the efficiency score to actively intelligentlyauto-manage operation of one or more of the mobile distribution stations20. For example, the efficiency score is compared in the method 79 withan efficiency score threshold limit or efficiency score range. If theefficiency score is outside of the limit or range, the method 79initiates an adjustment event to adjust settings of the operatingparameters of the mobile distribution station 20. For example, pumpingrate or power may be changed to increase or decrease fuel pressure. Infurther examples in the table below, preset actions are taken inresponse to efficiency scores within preset ranges.

Efficiency Score Action <=1 SHUTDOWN >1 AND <=2 ALERT >2 AND <=3 ADJUSTSETTINGS >3 AND <=4 NO ACTION

The adjustment event may include forming an adjustment instructionmessage and publishing or sending the adjustment instruction message tothe mobile distribution station 20 via the IoT Gateway. Upon receivingthe adjustment instruction message the controller 52 of the mobiledistribution station 20 validates and executes the message. The messageconstitutes a control action to change one or more of the operatingparameters to move the efficiency score within the limit or range. As anexample, pumping rate is changed to change fuel pressure. Otherparameters may additionally or alternatively be adjusted to change thefuel efficiency score, such as but not limited to, fuel tank upper andlower thresholds, sequence of opening/closing control valves 44, andnumber of control valves 44 that may be open at one time. Thus, onceimplemented, the method 79 can serve to auto-adjust operation of one ormore of the mobile distribution stations 20, without human intervention,to achieve enhanced or optimize fuel distribution.

In one example, a rate of fuel consumption of one or more pieces of theequipment may be calculated, and the upper and/or lower fuel levelthreshold settings are changed in response to the calculated rate offuel consumption. For instance, if consumption is lower or higher than agiven fuel level threshold setting warrants, the fuel level thresholdsetting is responsively auto-adjusted up or down for more efficientoperation. For a low consumption rate, there may be a downwardadjustment of the lower fuel level threshold, since there is lowerlikelihood that the low consumption rate will lead to a fully emptycondition in the equipment. Similarly, for a high consumption rate,there may be an upward adjustment of the lower fuel level threshold,since there is higher likelihood that the high consumption rate willlead to a fully empty condition in the equipment. Thus, the mobiledistribution station 20 can be operated more efficiently and safely bydistributing fuel at proper times to ensure filling the equipment withdesired safety margins.

Similar to the shutdown instruction message described above, the method79 may include a timing feature that waits for confirmation ofadjustment. Once adjustment is confirmed by the controller 52,confirmation of adjustment is published or sent via the Iot Gateway tothe IoT Platform for subsequent issuance of an alert. If there is noconfirmation of adjustment by a maximum preset time threshold, anon-confirmation of adjustment is published or sent for subsequentissuance of an alert. In further examples, the method 79 may exclude useof the efficiency score for purposes of shutdown or for purposes ofintelligent auto-management. That is, the method 79 may employ theefficiency score for only one or the other of shutdown or intelligentauto-management.

Additionally or alternatively, the system 69 with one or more mobiledistribution stations 20 and one or more servers may be used forcentralized, intelligent auto-filling. For example, fuel levels may betracked in real-time or near real-time. When a fuel level associatedwith one of the stations 20 reaches the lower threshold, describedabove, an instruction may be sent via the system 69 to active the pump30 and open the appropriate control valve 44. Moreover, the system 69can ensure that there is minimal or zero delay time from the time ofidentifying the low threshold to the time that filling begins. Thus, atleast a portion of the functionality of the controllers 52 may beremotely and centrally based in the server of the system 69.

Although a combination of features is shown in the illustrated examples,not all of them need to be combined to realize the benefits of variousembodiments of this disclosure. In other words, a system designedaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure will not necessarilyinclude all of the features shown in any one of the Figures or all ofthe portions schematically shown in the Figures. Moreover, selectedfeatures of one example embodiment may be combined with selectedfeatures of other example embodiments.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature.Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may becomeapparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart fromthis disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosurecan only be determined by studying the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: at least one mobile fueldistribution station including a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, aplurality of hoses, a plurality of detachably connectable fuel capsconnected or connectable with the hoses, a plurality of valves, and aplurality of fuel level sensors, the mobile fuel distribution stationbeing configured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel thresholdto provide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, andfrom the valves through the hoses; and at least one server operable tocommunicate with the at least one mobile fuel distribution station, theat least one server configured to receive fuel operating parameter datafrom the mobile fuel distribution station, determine whether the fueloperating parameter data is within a preset limit, and send a controlaction in response to the operating parameter data being outside thepreset limit.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fueloperating parameter data represents a change in a fuel operatingparameter from a prior reading to a current reading.
 3. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the fuel operating parameter data representsat least one of a fuel temperature or a fuel pressure in the mobile fueldistribution station.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein theat least one of the fuel temperature or the fuel pressure is from alocation between the pump and the manifold in the mobile fueldistribution station.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein thecontrol action is selected from the group consisting of a shutdowninstruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, an adjustmentinstruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, and an alert to anelectronic device other than the mobile fuel distribution station. 6.The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile fueldistribution station comprises multiple of the fuel distributionstations.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fueloperating parameter data represents a change in a fuel operatingparameter from a prior reading to a current reading, and the fueloperating parameter data represents at least one of a fuel temperatureor a fuel pressure in the mobile fuel distribution station.
 8. Thesystem as recited in claim 7, wherein the control action is selectedfrom the group consisting of a shutdown instruction to the mobile fueldistribution station, an adjustment instruction to the mobile fueldistribution station, and an alert to an electronic device other thanthe mobile fuel distribution station.
 9. The system as recited in claim7, wherein the control action is a shutdown instruction to the mobilefuel distribution station.
 10. The system as recited in claim 7, whereinthe control action is an adjustment instruction to the mobile fueldistribution station.
 11. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein thecontrol action is an alert to an electronic device other than the mobilefuel distribution station.
 12. A system comprising: a plurality ofmobile fuel distribution stations, each mobile fuel distribution stationincluding a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, a plurality of hoses, aplurality of detachably connectable fuel caps connected or connectablewith the hoses, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of fuel levelsensors, the mobile fuel distribution station being configured tooperate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold to provide fuel tothe manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and from the valvesthrough the hoses; at least one server configured to receive fueloperating parameter data from the plurality of mobile fuel distributionstations; and at least one electronic device other than the plurality ofmobile fuel distribution stations, the at least one electronic deviceconfigured to communicate with the at least one server and display thefuel operating parameter data of each of the plurality of mobile fueldistribution stations.
 13. The system as recited in claim 12, whereinthe at least one electronic device is configured to send control actionsto the plurality of mobile fuel distribution stations to changeoperation of one or more of the plurality of mobile distributionstations.
 14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the controlactions are based upon at least one of fuel temperature, fuel pressure,or fuel flow in one or more of the plurality of mobile distributionstations.
 15. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the controlactions include shutdown instructions to stop one or more of theplurality of mobile distribution stations.
 16. The system as recited inclaim 13, wherein the control actions include adjustment instructions tochange one or more fuel operating parameters or operating settings ofone or more of the plurality of mobile fuel distribution stations. 17.The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one electronicdevice is configured to display in real-time the operating parameterdata of each of the plurality of mobile distribution stations.
 18. Thesystem as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one electronicdevice is configured to display an alert in response to the fueloperating parameter data being outside one or more preset limits. 19.The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one electronicdevice is configured to display total amounts of fuel distributed byeach of the plurality of mobile distribution stations.
 20. A systemcomprising: a plurality of mobile fuel distribution stations, eachmobile fuel distribution station including a mobile trailer, a pump, amanifold, a plurality of hoses, a plurality of detachably connectablefuel caps connected or connectable with the hoses, a plurality ofvalves, and a plurality of fuel level sensors, the mobile fueldistribution station being configured to operate the pump responsive toa low fuel threshold to provide fuel to the manifold, from the manifoldto the valves, and from the valves through the hoses; at least oneserver configured to receive fuel operating parameter data from theplurality of mobile fuel distribution stations; and at least oneelectronic device other than the plurality of mobile fuel distributionstations, the at least one electronic device configured to communicatewith the at least one server and display the fuel operating parameterdata of one ore more of the plurality of mobile fuel distributionstations, wherein the fuel operating parameter data represents a changein a fuel operating parameter from a prior reading to a current reading,the fuel operating parameter data represents at least one of a fueltemperature or a fuel pressure in the mobile fuel distribution stations,and the control action is selected from the group consisting of ashutdown instruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, anadjustment instruction to the mobile fuel distribution station, and analert to an electronic device other than the mobile fuel distributionstation.